Remember when losing your taste and smell was a tell-tale sign of COVID-19? For many, it was one of the most distinctive and often unsettling symptoms of the initial waves of the pandemic. However, a significant shift has occurred, and scientists and doctors are now confirming that this particular symptom has largely disappeared from the clinical picture of newer COVID variants. This dramatic change has led to much speculation and research into why the virus no longer impacts these senses as it once did. Early COVID-19 variants, such as the Wuhan strain and Delta, predominantly targeted cells in the nose and throat. The virus would specifically damage the ‘smell receptors’ inside the nose and affect the brain and nervous system, leading to a loss of both smell and taste. This distinctive symptom became a widely recognized indicator of infection, prompting many to get tested if they experienced it.

The good news is, new research from studies conducted in the US and Europe shows that over 90% of current COVID-19 patients are no longer experiencing problems with taste or smell. This dramatic reduction is attributed to a combination of factors. The emergence of the Omicron variant marked a significant change in the virus’s behavior. Experts like epidemiologist Dr. Jugal Kishore explain that Omicron and its subsequent variants are more active in the upper respiratory tract rather than directly impacting the smell nerves in the nose or the neurological pathways that affect taste. Additionally, widespread vaccination has played a crucial role. Vaccinated individuals have robust immunity that helps contain the virus, preventing it from spreading extensively enough to cause severe symptoms like the loss of taste and smell. While this is certainly a relief, doctors emphasize that the virus still poses a threat. Newer variants can still cause symptoms like fever, headache, cough, and fatigue, which can be severe. Therefore, continued vigilance, testing, booster shots, and adherence to mask-wearing and sanitization protocols remain essential, especially in crowded areas.